Riot Games’ September 14 One BIG Dev Update revealed several major additions for VALORANT Patch 13.06. The update introduced the Warden rifle, the experimental Gauntlet: Glitched mode, and a redesigned Agent Mastery system, alongside significant competitive and quality-of-life changes.
Patch 13.06 launched on September 22, 2026, and Riot’s official patch notes confirm that all of these features are now live in the game.
For more updates, check our VALORANT guides.
When Did VALORANT Patch 13.06 Release?
VALORANT Patch 13.06 launched on September 22, 2026. Riot’s official patch notes confirm that the Warden, Agent Mastery, Gauntlet: Glitched, Practice Range in Queue, and broader UI overhauls all went live with the deployment.
The Warden is Riot’s newest automatic rifle, joining the arsenal as part of Patch 13.06. Riot introduced the weapon as a specialized long-range competitor in the primary 2,900-Credit rifle bracket.
Warden vs. Vandal vs. Phantom
According to Riot’s VALORANT Patch Notes 13.06, here is how the Warden’s verified live stats compare to the Vandal and Phantom:
| Stat | Warden | Vandal | Phantom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 2,900 Credits | 2,900 Credits | 2,900 Credits |
| Magazine / Reserve | 18 / 36 | 25 / 75 | 30 / 90 |
| Scope | 2.0x Zoom | 1.25x Zoom | 1.25x Zoom |
| Fire Rate | 6.5 rounds/sec | 9.75 rounds/sec | 11.0 rounds/sec |
| Body / Head Damage | 50 body / 200 head / 42 leg | 40 / 160 (all ranges) | 39–35 / 156–140 (range falloff) |
| Wall Penetration | Medium | Medium | Medium |
The Warden occupies a distinct role within the 2,900-Credit rifle category. Its 2.0x scope, pinpoint first-shot accuracy, 50-damage body shots, and lack of damage falloff set it apart from both the Vandal and Phantom. However, its smaller 18-round magazine and slower 6.5 rounds/sec fire rate demand precise shot pacing rather than prolonged spray transfers.
New Game Mode: Gauntlet: Glitched Explained
Gauntlet: Glitched is a limited-time, 16-player tournament-style mode featuring eight teams of two. Instead of locking in a standard Agent, players build hybrid “Robo-Agents” by drafting abilities from a randomized pool between rounds.
Abilities can be leveled up from Level 1 to Level 3, and Level 2 upgrades carry a rare chance to trigger “Glitches” that fundamentally mutate how familiar abilities perform (such as oversized Wingmen or manually detonated Boom Bots). The matches rotate across four Stitched Simulation arenas constructed from fragmented sections of existing maps.
How long does a Gauntlet match take? Gauntlet: Glitched is designed around short, action-packed 2v2 matches, with eliminated teams able to leave and queue again without waiting for the remaining matches to finish.
Agent Mastery System Rework: How It Replaces Agent Gear
Patch 13.06 officially replaced the legacy Agent Gear system with Agent Mastery, separating agent progression into two parallel tracks: Act Levels and Lifetime Levels.
- Mastery Points (MP): Earned by playing Agents across supported game modes, with bonus points awarded for victories and strong individual performances.
- Act Levels: Reset with each new Act, featuring 10 core levels per Agent that unlock custom Portrait Accents to showcase seasonal dedication.
- Lifetime Levels & Rewards: Progress permanently across Acts, granting access to an Agent Reward Track where cosmetics (including custom Agent IDs, titles, cards, and sprays) are unlocked using Kingdom Credits.
Do players lose previous Agent Gear unlocks? No. All cosmetics and rewards previously earned through Agent Gear remain in player inventories, and any unearned legacy items have been folded into each Agent’s new Lifetime Reward Track.
FAQs
Is the Warden available now in Patch 13.06?
Yes. The Warden went live globally alongside Patch 13.06 on September 22, 2026, and is available for purchase in standard buy rounds.
Can you practice in the Practice Range while matchmaking?
Yes. Patch 13.06 added the ability to enter the Practice Range while queued for a match, or begin matchmaking directly from inside the Range.
Does Gauntlet: Glitched support solo players?
Yes. Players can queue as a solo player (to be paired with a teammate) or queue as a premade duo.
Final Thoughts
VALORANT’s September Dev Update and Patch 13.06 have delivered one of the game’s most substantial content drops of the year, bringing the Warden rifle, Gauntlet: Glitched, and the Agent Mastery rework into the live client ahead of Champions.
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